E-Village: India Travelers Community

(Batons of cottage cheese and capsicum cooked in a wok, with tomatoes and herbs, prominently flavored with coriander seeds).(Batons of cottage cheese and capsicum cooked in a wok, with tomatoes and herbs, prominently flavored with coriander seeds).

The modest demeanor of Mahipal Singh Rathore, the Executive Chef of the Taj View, Agra, doesn’t do justice to his culinary capabilities. He is a specialist in Avadhi cuisine and a graduate of the prestigious Institute of Hotel Management, Catering & Technology in Ahmedabad. This keen interest in the culinary arts was kindled at an early age, by his grandmother. Having accumulated accolades and experience over his last two decades at the prestigious Taj group of hotels, he delights patrons at the Taj hotel in Agra, with his mouthwatering recipes.

Rare pictures capturing tiger habitats through the lens of an India Customs official, VinodGoel, are on display at India International Center. The exhibition is a compilation of pictures taken across India for over 8 years.

"I hope the exhibition becomes an eye opener for the new generation. I want them, not only to love the wildlife, but to see its glory for themselves," said Goel.

Tourism in Kerala, which has so far targeted beaches, forests and backwaters, will soon showcase the glory of the 3000-year old Muziris port, unveiling the state`s heritage to the world. The Muziris Heritage Project, claimed to be the first of its kind in the country, is expected to turn Muziris into a major destination for cultural tourism, Chief Project Consultant Benny Kuriakose said.

The Desert Festival is an annual event organized in the beautiful city of Jaisalmer. This three day festival is held in the month of February and is organized in association with the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation. The Desert Festival represents the rich and colorful Rajasthani folk culture.

During the festival, villagers sing and dance eloquently to the triumphs and the tragedies of the land.

Attractions include traditional gymnasts, mystical snake charmers, entertaining puppet shows and captivating folk music recitals. Along with this, a number of competitions are held during the festival, including the turban tying competition and longest moustaches competition. It's a fantastic showcase of all things Rajasthani, and is justifiably popular with tourists, both Indian and foreign. Besides the food, the music and the cultural performances, there are camel rides, processions, camel polo, and even a camel tug-of-war. All of it is held against the backdrop of the awesome Jaisalmer Fort. Firework displays at night light up the area, and the fort is illuminated too.